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News & Events

Belize Fund Contributes to Regional Marine Conservation through RedLAC Partnership

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The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund) has made a significant move to bolster its support for marine conservation by joining RedLAC, a network of environmental funds in Latin America and the Caribbean, at its 26th annual Congress. The RedLAC Congress, held in beautiful Saint Lucia from October 7-10, 2024, brought together about 200 conservation leaders from 42 countries to share ideas and strengthen regional efforts to conserve marine biodiversity. Belize Fund at the RedLAC Congress 2024 On October 6, during RedLAC’s General Assembly, the Belize Fund officially became a member of the network, joining 32 other members, including the Galápagos Life Fund. This partnership signifies a strategic advancement in Belize’s ability to translate global conservation commitments into local action. “Joining RedLAC means expanding our network and working together to make a bigger impact on marine conservation. ” said Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director of the Belize Fund. “Our strength lies in finding long-term funding solutions that connect global goals with Belize’s conservation needs.” Dr. Cho-Ricketts participated in a panel on “Blue Financial Mechanisms and Opportunities” at the Congress. She joined experts like Amilcar Guzman from Grant Thornton and Michael McGreevey from Conservation International to discuss how sustainable financing supports Belize’s marine conservation and blue economy goals. Another highlight was a panel on Marine Protected Areas management, where Mr. Joel Verde, Board Member of the Belize Fund and Executive Director of the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development, spoke about Belize’s unique approach to financing conservation efforts. “The Belize Fund’s Strategic Partnership model allows us to move from competitive bidding to more predictable funding for protected areas,” explained Verde. This is key to managing Belize’s marine and coastal ecosystems sustainably. This approach, made possible under the 2021 debt-for-nature swap agreement between the Government of Belize and The Nature Conservancy to generate US $180 million over 20 years, aims to support conservation efforts, such as the goal to protect 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030. The discussion, enriched by insights from fellow panellists including Cuthbert Didier, Jenifer James, and Paola Romero, highlighted the importance of sustainable financing mechanisms for protected areas across the region. Advancing Regional Marine Conservation At the Congress, the Belize Fund also signed a pledge as a member of RedLAC’s Coastal and Marine Working Group. This pledge will allow the Belize Fund to better connect international conservation frameworks, like the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework, with local efforts. By joining this working group, the Belize Fund aims to collaborate on regional efforts to mobilize long-term funding for marine protected areas, restoring important habitats like mangroves and coral reefs, and supporting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities, all while sharing knowledge across the region. “This pledge reflects our shared vision for protecting marine life in the region,” Dr. Cho-Ricketts emphasized. “By pooling our resources and expertise through RedLAC, we can achieve much more in safeguarding our marine ecosystems.” Through new financing models, strategic partnerships, and collaboration, the Belize Fund is committed to advancing marine conservation and resilience in coastal areas. A Milestone for Conservation Finance The RedLAC Congress successfully brought together environmental funds, investors, government representatives, and conservation experts from around the world, highlighting the important role of conservation trust funds like the Belize Fund. Our active participation and new membership in RedLAC marks a key step in advancing our mission to secure sustainable funding for marine conservation in Belize while supporting wider efforts to protect marine life and ecosystems across the region. Organized by the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF), with support from the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) and the Environmental Investment Fund of El Salvador (FIAES), the Congress theme was “30x30x30: The Path to 2030.”

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Our 3rd Call for Proposals under the Grants Award Program (Gap) 2024 grant cycle closed on Oct 24, 2024

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In our 3rd Call for Proposals, concept papers were accepted on 25th August 2024, through our Grants Application Platform. In the first step of our 3rd Call for Proposals, we received 37 Concept Papers and after review, 23 met the eligibility criteria. Of these, 18 were invited to submit full proposals by October 24th, 2024. These include 1 Small Grant, 2 Medium Grants, 6 Large Grants, and 9 Community Grants! 15 proposals were submitted for screening and review by our Blue Bonds Committee and approval by the Board of Directors. * One of the medium grant proposals was a pipeline concept from the previous 2023 grant cycle. We take this opportunity to note that an accepted concept paper is not guaranteed funding, as the process is competitive, and projects that can make the biggest impact on Belize’s marine resources will be funded. Stay tuned as we announce the approved projects by January 31st, 2025!

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Beyond Data: MarAlliance’s Human-Centered Approach to Marine Conservation

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When a massive hammerhead shark, nearly as long as their boat, emerged from the crystal waters off Belize’s coast, it wasn’t marine biologists who were leading the tagging operation – it was local fishermen, their hands trembling with excitement as they worked to secure a satellite tag on the magnificent creature. This scene, described by Kirah Forman, Belize National Coordinator of MarAlliance, perfectly captures the organization’s innovative approach to marine conservation. Building a Community-Led Conservation Model Since the late 90s, before the organization was officially established, the dedicated people behind MarAlliance have been leading efforts to safeguard endangered species and critical habitats through marine research, with local fishers at the forefront. Their focus: understanding and protecting marine megafauna – the ocean’s gentle giants like sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Through monthly monitoring expeditions, these fisher-conservationists help gather crucial data that inform marine protection policies. The organization now works with over 30 fisher partners, many of whom have become conservation leaders in their own communities. “These guys have become stewards,” Forman shares proudly. “They’re the ones out there training other fishers, giving presentations, and leading education initiatives. We’ve seen it handed down from father to son.” Success Stories: From Fishing Nets to Conservation Leadership In one inspiring case, a seasoned fisherman joined the program and introduced his son, who has since become a core team member. Supported by MarAlliance, the young fisher is pursuing further education while continuing his conservation work. He also recruited a friend, extending the ripple effect of conservation education within his own community. Another fisher was recently elected to the executive board of a local fishing cooperative. “Watching these guys go from fishers to leaders within their communities is one of our greatest achievements,” says Kirah. “It’s an incredibly proud moment for us to see them grow.” As these fishers continue to step into leadership roles within their communities, they’re also ensuring that conservation efforts will have a lasting impact. Measuring Success: A Decade of Data At sites like Lighthouse Reef Atoll, where over a decade of consistent monitoring using multiple methods including baited remote underwater video (BRUV) has yielded invaluable insights, the impact is clear. “We’re seeing increasing shark numbers, not just in quantity but in species diversity,” Kirah notes. “We’re excited to observe lemon sharks returning to areas where they haven’t been seen in years.” These long-term datasets are proving instrumental in validating conservation policies. “Because we have been consistent in our work and methods used, we can now tell the government that their policies are working,” Kirah explains. “The two-mile protection radius around the atolls, the ban on gillnets – our data shows these measures are effectively increasing biodiversity and protecting these marine species.” Facing New Challenges: Climate Change and Disappearing Species As climate change adds new challenges to marine conservation efforts, the value of long-term monitoring becomes even more apparent. Temperature changes and their impacts on marine life can only be understood through consistent observation over time. The disappearance of whale sharks from their usual feeding grounds around Gladden Spit Marine Reserve serves as a stark warning. These gentle filter-feeders captivate divers, snorkelers, and conservationists, reaching lengths of up to 60 feet, and were once the cornerstone of a thriving ecotourism industry. “We know whale sharks aren’t there in Gladden Spit anymore, which was a huge tourism income generator for local communities,” reflects Kirah. “But the bigger question is: why? And what does their disappearance tell us about the health of our ocean?” Sustainable Funding: The Key to Long-Term Success Through a crucial BZ$652,342 grant from the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future (Belize Fund), MarAlliance continues its vital research. “Monitoring is expensive,” explains Kirah. “We have to pay our fisher partners, support our team, fuel our boats – so investment such as these are important to help us continue our work to understand crucial trends in marine biodiversity, we simply couldn’t do this work without funding.” Yet the challenges of securing long-term funding persist. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Kirah emphasizes. “With species that live in the slow lane – those that don’t reproduce or grow quickly – you often need more than ten years to understand trends. But many donors want quick results.” Looking Ahead: A Vision for Ocean Rewilding MarAlliance’s vision extends beyond data collection to practical application. “If this research isn’t informing policy, then it wouldn’t make sense,” Kirah emphasizes. “Our mission is rewilding the ocean. We want to see more sharks, more fish, more turtles, more biodiversity.” As this work continues – monitoring, understanding, and protecting the marine ecosystems that sustain both wildlife and communities, one question remains: will we commit to supporting marine conservation needed to ensure the survival of these species before it’s too late? The future of Belize’s marine treasures – and the communities that rely on them – depend on the answer.

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International Coastal Clean-Up Day Contest

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The Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future is encouraging environmental clubs to raise awareness for International Coastal Clean-up Day (September 21, 2024) by participating in cleanup activities and sharing their impact through a creative video submission. Duration: September 21st – September 26th, 2024 How it Works: Environmental clubs participate in coastal cleanup efforts and submit a 1-minute video showing and explaining: Submission Styles: Rules and Guidelines: Judging Criteria: Prizes: Award Announcement: Winners will be announced on October 2, 2024. Disclaimer: By submitting a video, participants agree and grant permission for full use by the Belize Fund to display, distribute, reproduce, and create derivative works from the video, in whole or in part, in any media currently existing or subsequently developed. This is for any educational, promotional, publicity, exhibition, archival, scholarly, or all other standard purposes related to the Belize Fund’s communication activities and product development for Belize’s coastal and marine environment.

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Belize Fund conducted Stakeholder Information Sessions for 3rd Call for Proposals between July 11-26, 2024

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The Belize Fund hosted information sessions from July 11th to 26th, 2024, across the country. 🌍🇧🇿 These sessions provided information about our 3rd Call for Proposals, opening on the 5th of August. Eligible entities can submit concept papers for initiatives that create lasting impacts within our coastal and marine communities. 🌊🐠 We express a sincere thanks to all 216 persons, of which 173 were fisherfolk who we engaged via boat-to-boat outreach, contributed to the discussion, and joined us in learning how you can access funding!

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Belize Fund Hosts Strategic Partnership Signing & Grant Awards

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On June 28th, we hosted a Strategic Partnership Signing with the Belize Marine Protected Areas Network (BMPAN) and granted awards to the National Garifuna Council, the Belize Tourism Industry Association and Humana People to People Belize. Highlights of the Event Signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement, with an investment of BZ $3,895,000.92 over 3 years (June 2024 – May 2027), to strengthen compliance and enforcement within Belize’s marine protected areas, ensuring effective management and protection of marine biodiversity. Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Bacalar Chico National Park managed by the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve managed by the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association Blue Hole and Half Moon Natural Monument (Lighthouse reef atoll) managed by the Belize Audubon Society Laughing Bird National Park, Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, Placencia Lagoon managed by the Southern Environmental Association Port Honduras Marine Reserve and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve managed by the Toledo Institute for Development and Environment Presentation of Grant Awards totaling BZ $745,889 to: Humana People to People Belize (BZ $515,860) to reshape plastic usage patterns through public education and by transforming plastic waste into marketable recycled products. Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) (BZ $80,029) to create a training program for students and tour guides to increase knowledge and appreciation for marine conservation. National Garifuna Council (BZ $150,000) to identify solutions to mitigate shoreline erosion in Barranco Village.

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Rescue and Rehabilitation: Meet Kevin, the Manatee Calf!

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On June 12th, a tiny manatee calf named “Kevin” was found in the Belize River, unable to dive, weak, sunburnt, and had propeller cuts. Through a collaborative effort between the Fisheries Department, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI), and Wildtracks, Kevin was rescued and transported to Wildtracks’ rehabilitation centre. This story highlights the unwavering need for and commitment to conservation. Just weeks ago, Wildtracks trained officers from the Fisheries Department, Forest Department, and Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development, equipping them with invaluable manatee response, rescue, and rehabilitation skills. This training was carried out as part of the Wildtracks project ‘Helping Secure the Future for Belize’s Iconic Manatee’ funded by the Belize Fund for a Sustainable Future. And now, that knowledge has been put into action, saving Kevin’s life. Did you know? Belize is the last stronghold for the Antillean manatee population in the Mesoamerican region. Protecting these gentle giants is more critical than ever! Wildtracks and CMARI – both grantees of the Belize Fund’s Grants Award Program – are making a significant impact on the survival of Belize’s iconic manatee population. We extend a sincere recognition to the rescue mission team of the Belize Fisheries Department, CMARI and Wildtracks. P.S. In the last two months, Wildtracks has had three new manatee intakes. If you are:✨Inspired to donate? https://goto.gg/52620✨Inspired to volunteer? www.wildtracksbelize.org/volunteer 📸 Credit: Belize Fisheries Department

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Belize Fund participated in the high-level “Immersed in Change”

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Our Executive Director, Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, recently attended the high-level “Immersed in Change” event in Costa Rica on June 7-8. At the event, Dr. Ricketts connected with other conservation trust funds and donor agencies, sharing the work of the Belize Fund, through our investments in marine conservation and the development of a sustainable blue economy in Belize. Our work showcases how Belize is taking action to address ocean impacts and turn the tide on ocean conservation through innovative financing instruments. The Blue Bond & Finance Permanence (BBFP) Unit participated in a panel on “The Blue Economy as an Engine for Prosperity”, highlighting how funds from the Belize Blue Bonds are being invested through the Belize Fund. The Immersed in Change event underscores the urgency of addressing ocean challenges. It symbolizes the depth of our oceans and the critical need for action to preserve them. The conference inspires collective action to protect our vital ocean ecosystems, threatened by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The ocean is vital for life on Earth, but it’s in danger! It’s time to act! Let’s protect our ocean now! Our future depends on it. Join the movement and dive into change!

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Fragments of Hope – Building Climate Resilience through Coral Restoration in Belize

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In 2001, Category 4 Hurricane Iris left the coastal community of Placencia battered and devastated. Lisa Carne, a marine biologist who had been living in Belize since 1995, found herself grappling with the aftermath of the hurricane. “That year, there was no tourism because everything was flattened,” she recalls, a somber reminder of the fragility of the environment she had come to love. On the beach, Lisa stumbled upon a fragment of hope—broken pieces of corals lying still alive but detached from its home. “I thought, wow, maybe we could reforest the reefs like they do onshore,” she mused, igniting a passion that would lead to the birth of Fragments of Hope, an organization dedicated to coral restoration. When Lisa first began her coral restoration work in Belize, she faced skepticism. The journey from skepticism to support wasn’t overnight. It began with older fishermen who, observing the natural process of coral fragmentation and regrowth during storms, started to understand and endorse Lisa’s work. “It was those same older fishermen who finally said they get it,” she reminisces. This local validation spread “like wildfire,” fostering a sense of community ownership that remains central to Fragments of Hope’s principles. Today, Fragments of Hope is recognized for their success in coral restoration, not just in Belize but globally. The organization’s work at some restoration sites has yielded notable results, with restored sites showing significantly higher survival rates during recent bleaching events compared to natural stands. Despite facing mass global bleaching events and rising water temperatures, Fragments of Hope reported a remarkable 4% mortality rate among the 342 Elkhorn corals they outplanted. In contrast, natural stands in the same area experienced a staggering 31% mortality rate. “We came through much better at the restoration sites than in Northern Belize, which speaks to the power of genetic diversity and strategic positioning,” noted Dr. Leslie Kaufman, a colleague from Boston University and researcher supporting Fragments of Hope. But there are still many questions to be answered to continue replicating the success of coral restoration throughout the Belize Barrier Reef System. Sustainable financing is vital for the longevity of marine conservation efforts. The Belize Fund provided BZ$801,370.00 to Fragments of Hope for a three-year project focused on restoring critically endangered coral species. This funding supports Fragments of Hope in meeting its commitment to building local capacity through increased staff support and workshops aimed at improving the skills of community members in conducting bleaching surveys and understanding coral species. A key component of sustainable financing is demonstrating the broader economic and social benefits of conservation work. Healthy coral reefs are vital for tourism, fishing, and coastal protection. Lisa highlights an example where a local tour guide provided a detailed tour of Laughing Bird Caye, showcasing the restored corals. “Even though he’s never actually gone out planting with us, he still had the information and the pride to show everything. It’s a fantastic indicator of community commitment and its relation to tourism,” Lisa stated.  “We want to ensure that the community can effectively monitor coral health and contribute to ongoing restoration efforts.” Climate change poses an ever-present threat to coral ecosystems, which propelled Fragments of Hope to work with experts to formulate a national restoration plan. This comprehensive strategy aims to coordinate efforts across Belize, maximizing the impact of coral restoration initiatives. Lisa discussed the importance of creating genetically diverse and self-replicating restored sites, ensuring connectivity and resilience in the face of climate change. Dr. Kaufman also emphasized the long-term nature of coral restoration, noting that the goal is to keep enough of the reef alive so that it can restore itself once climate challenges are resolved. “This is a long game,” he said. Looking ahead, Fragments of Hope is exploring the possibility of relocating more resilient coral genotypes from southern Belize to northern sites that have struggled with restoration efforts. This approach is based on the understanding that genetic diversity plays a critical role in the survival and adaptability of coral species. The work being done by Fragments of Hope in Belize serves as a model for coral reef conservation worldwide. By prioritizing community involvement, focusing on education and training, fostering climate resilience through genetic diversity, and adapting strategies in response to environmental challenges, the organization is contributing to the health of marine ecosystems in Belize and the global ocean space.

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Two Years of Action: Delivering on Belize’s Commitment to Ocean Conservation

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Beyond its incredible and undeniable beauty, Belize’s ocean space is an important asset for our economic development. It contributes to the livelihoods of thousands of Belizeans, but our coastal and marine environments face threats from biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution—termed the triple planetary crisis. Illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, agricultural runoff, and habitat destruction further jeopardize these vital resources. Almost two and a half years ago, the Belize Fund was set up to help Belize achieve its ambitious goals of protecting its precious marine ecosystems while alleviating national debt, through the Belize Blue Bonds. This wasn’t your typical financial instrument; it demonstrated innovation in bridging the gap between ambition and action in ocean conservation. Joel Verde, one of Belize Fund’s Board of Directors and Executive Director for the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development, emphasized the critical role of this new funding, “This has secured funding that was much needed, and it was urgent. Those who have been involved in protected areas management know how much that has been for us.” Leah Carriere, representing the Belize Blue Investment Company and The Nature Conservancy’s Nature Bonds Program, shared her perspective on the journey from concept to reality. “When we closed the historic Belize Blue Bond transaction in November 2021, it felt momentous yet incomplete. It wasn’t until I saw the Belize Fund team in action, translating those debt restructuring funds into tangible marine protection initiatives, that I realized the full potential of what we had set in motion.” Carriere marvelled at the Fund’s rapid progress. “In just two years, they’ve gone from a concept to a fully operational entity, disbursing millions in grants and setting new standards for transparency and effectiveness in conservation finance. The global conservation community is taking notice – Belize is becoming a model for how innovative finance can drive real-world conservation impacts.” The Belize Fund plays a key role in managing this conservation funding. Dr. Leandra Cho-Ricketts, Executive Director of the Belize Fund, provided insight into the program’s significant achievements: “We’re proud to report that in just two years, we’ve approved a total of BZ$18 million in funding, with BZ$7.3 million already disbursed. This funding has supported 14 crucial projects, benefiting 14 Marine Protected Areas covering over 527,000 hectares. Our reach extends to 40 coastal communities, and we’ve provided funding to a diverse group of stakeholders, including 6 government agencies, 11 NGOs, 1 academic institution, and 1 community-based organization. Moreover, we’ve facilitated training for 66 individuals, building local capacity for long-term marine conservation management.” Former CEO of the Ministry of Economic Development and member of the Belize Fund’s Board, Dr. Osmond Martinez, contextualized the Blue Bonds program within Belize’s broader economic strategy. “This initiative represents a historic merger of traditional economics with Belize’s natural wealth. By restructuring our debt through the Blue Bonds, we’ve not only secured vital funding for conservation—achieving what so many would consider impossible but also positioned Belize as a leader in sustainable development.” Belize committed to conserving its marine environment by setting its sights on eight important conservation milestones, comprising a progressive expansion of Biodiversity Protection Zones, culminating in 30% of Belize’s ocean territory being protected by 2026. It also includes developing a Marine Spatial Plan, revising coastal management laws, designating mangrove reserves, and applying for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List status for select marine protected areas. Through the Government Strategic Allocation, the Belize Fund has supported the achievement of three of the eight conservation commitments, including the initiation of the process for the development of the marine spatial plan. As the Belize Fund continues to build credibility and inspire other countries and institutions, its progress towards a sustainable future for Belize’s marine biodiversity and blue economy is worth celebrating. Dr. Cho-Ricketts emphasized the Fund’s commitment to inclusivity and effectiveness. “We’re continually adapting our grant-making approach to be more responsive and accessible. Our goal is to ensure that all stakeholders, regardless of size, have the opportunity to contribute to our shared marine conservation objectives and development of our blue economy.” The future of Belize is intricately tied to the resilience of its coastal and marine environment.  From the food on people’s plates to the jobs they hold, from the safety of our homes to the very soul of our nation, healthy ocean space is essential.  This isn’t just about protecting a pretty picture; rather, we are dedicated to safeguarding the well-being and prosperity of Belize and its people for generations to come.

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